CBD oil (or cannabidiol oil) is used by many people who are suffering from a range of health issues, but many wonder about its side effects. How effective is it, and can it really help you?
CBD is a cannabinoid, one of hundreds found in cannabis plants. Cannabis Sativa, also known as hemp, has been used for thousands of years for making fabrics and rope, as well as for its medicinal value.
You may have already have a familiarity with what CBD oil is, and what the benefits of using it are. (If not, make sure to read our handy fact sheet).
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the potential side effects of the compound. Ensure you always consult your doctor prior to using it.
What are the side effects of CBD oil?
Millions of individuals throughout the world use CBD oil on a regular basis, with few complaints of negative side effects.
In fact, the World Health Organisation has stated CBD oils are safe to use, even at high doses.
However, there are some CBD oil side effects to be aware of, and we’ll explore them below in further detail.
Dry mouth
When you use the compound either for recreational or medicinal reasons, you’ll notice that cannabis products may make your mouth feel dry. Sometimes people will say it’ll feel as if you have cotton balls in your mouth.
One study conducted in 2006 suggested that cannabinoids (including CBD) has a role to play in decreasing “saliva secretion”. In other words, slowing down the production of your saliva.
This, however, is a very rare side effect. One survey found that about 11.12% of all CBD users will experience dry mouth.
In fact, the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is much more likely to produce this side effect. THC is also the compound that gets its users ‘high’. One study found that:
Cannabis use has been shown to cause xerostomia (dry-mouth) in a vast majority of users, with effects lasting between 1–6 hours after use.
Austin Lea and Joseph J. Palamara, Oral health implications of increased cannabis use among older adults: Another public health concern?
If you take CBD oil and do experience dry mouth, some strategies to overcome it include chewing gum, drinking plenty of water or using a mouthwash.
Increased tiredness
CBD oil can act as a sleep aid in some circumstances. This is because the product can help alleviate the symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and pain (and therefore make it easier to sleep).
The compound will interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates numerous facets of your body including appetite and sleep. CBD can interact by improving your brain’s capacity to cope with stress, producing a calmer and more relaxed mind.
It therefore (indirectly) can help improve your sleep.
There is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that people who ingest CBD oil have improved sleep, even if they don’t suffer from anxiety.
You may be wondering whether CBD oil makes you sleepy and the answer is generally no. If you use a safe product, use the right dose and correctly, you should not feel drowsiness.
Mood changes
A very small number of people have reporting experiencing mood changes after taking CBD oil. This may or may not be similar to the changes you experience when taking psychoactive cannabis.
However, CBD is more known to help improve your mood. At certain concentrations, the compound is actually neuroprotective. This basically means it helps your preserve your brain cells.
It is also an anti-inflammatory. According to some studies, CBD decreases neuroinflammation (which primarily affects the brain). By maintaining your brain’s health, it may also improve your mood.
Increased appetite
Some people wonder whether CBD makes you hungry. This will differ from person to person, but some studies indicate that in does in fact increase appetite.
One study observed 117 parents of children being treated with CBD to manage epilepsy. Thirty per cent of those parents said that it considerably increased their kids’ appetites. Another review of 2,409 people found that 6.35% experienced more hunger after taking CBD oil.
Other studies, however, does show different results. For example, some children have reported experienced decreased hunger.
More studies are necessary to completely understand this side effect.
Diarrhea
CBD can possibly give you diarrhea, although this is once again a rare side effect. One 2019 study published in Current Neuropharmacology found:
In 162 participants included in a clinical trial of 25-50 mg/kg/day CBD for 12 weeks for treatment-resistant epilepsy, serious [adverse effects] included diarrhea, weight loss, and gastrointestinal intolerance.
Huestis, et al, Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity
That same study also found that diarrhea, vomiting and conspiration in some patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Those patients were receiving 10 and 20 mg/kg per day day oral CBD for a period of 28 days.
Diarrhea occurred more often in the high-dose group of that study, as opposed to the low-dose group.
Side effects of using CBD Oil and medications: can I use both?
Yes, but it should be taken cautiously. CBD can potentially change the effects of other drugs that you take. This is because many drugs are broken down by liver enzymes, which CBD may interfere with.
This could lead to the medication not working. It may also increase the risk of side effects.
It will also depend on what type of medication you are using. Pennsylvania State University put together a list of 57 medications, which they found was dangerous to take with cannabinoids. It is not recommended to use CBD oil if you are taking:
- blood thinners (warfarin)
- heart rhythm medication (amiodarone)
- thyroid medication (levothyroxine)
- several medications for seizure
You should always speak with a doctor before taking the oil.
Can I take CBD oil when pregnant (or breast feeding)?
It is not recommended. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration strongly advises against using CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding.
This is because the research in this field is not sufficient. Further, the effects of CBD on foetuses or babies are not yet fully understood.
Therefore, it is best to wait until a child is weaned before taking CBD oil supplements.
Learn more about the side effects of CBD oil
CBD oil can be an effective natural treatment for those suffering from a range of conditions. This ranges from cancer and arthritis to diabetes and chronic pain.
Understandably, many people are concerned about the side effects of CBD oil. It is always therefore a good idea to use a reputable supplier when purchasing CBD oil.
Our friendly staff here at the Little Health Company are ready and willing to answer any questions or address any concerns you have.
See our full range of CBD Oil products by clicking here
